heyclementine
Active Member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2015
- Messages
- 40
Before I begin, I've just seen in another post someone reference "Diana's letter to new PCP's" but despite searching cannot find this post. Can someone help me out, as I would like to read it?
So, I have officially completed all the pre-op requirements and am waiting on a call, today actually, with my surgery date. I'm getting more excited and less nervous as I get closer, but still find myself with a lot of unanswered questions and concerns.
1. One thing I've often wondered is, what will happen to us DS'ers once we are old? Both of my grandmothers lived well into their 90's in primarily decent health, but both suffered from severe Alzheimer's and dementia. My maternal grandmother also had severe bone density issues. I worry sometimes that when I get older I'll forget I've had surgery and won't be able to vocalize my nutrition needs. I realize this is kind of silly to worry about when you're in your early 30's but I think about it fairly often. Any thoughts? I do have children so I'm hoping they'll help make sure this never becomes an issue but it does worry me some.
2. While I know how diligent I am when it comes to my own health, I still find myself endlessly worrying that I don't know enough about supplementation and post-op dietary needs and that I'll get into trouble because of it. I know that protein and hydration are extremely important but I get very concerned about the vitamins and solubility and all the various combinations and what to even start out taking before I've even had my first labs. I see posts where you guys seem to have this down to a science, and maybe one day I'll get there too, but in the meantime I'm terrified I don't have even the weakest grasp on post-op supplementation. Could someone give some advice on what supplements to be taking right after surgery, before any labs? I know I may have to add to that based on lab work, but I would feel better if I had that info. Perhaps this information is available on the Vitalady page, I'll check there too.
3. Is it possible to get very physically fit after losing weight from surgery? When I was younger, though still overweight, I was very athletic and into training and lifting weights, etc.. I guess what I'm silently afraid of is always feeling the "handicap" of such a complex surgery. Perhaps having energy issues or muscle problems.. It's just kind of a quiet concern I have. Anyone have experience here?
4. (Shallow question alert) I'm fully aware I will likely need plastic surgery down the road to remove excess skin, etc, but occasionally I wonder if it's possible to ever have a good (decent?) looking naked body after weight loss surgery. Trust me, I am fully aware of how stupid that sounds. This is NOT a deal breaker I'm just wondering. Does anyone ever get to the point where they look good naked or will I have a weird looking, albeit much smaller, body forever? I'm just curious!
I know I have more questions and concerns, I need to start writing them down because every time I start a post here I forget them all! I am so happy to have this source of information as I don't think I could dive into this complex of a surgery without the information and support provided here. I am also so thankful I didn't jump into WLS 5 years ago when I first began researching because I would be sitting here with a lap band. I'm very happy I waited and discovered the DS as I'm fully convinced it's the best surgery out there and the right one for me, for sure. I only wish I could quell my inner voice that questions if I have what it takes to remain in good health after surgery. I guess being aware is half of that battle, but I would appreciate any pointers or experiences you guys might want to share that may help me feel more confident.
I am currently at my heaviest weight ever, close to 360 at 5'10'', and while I have very few health issues now, I know it's just a matter of time. I feel terrible, both physically and mentally, so I'm so (there are no words to express how) excited to have this surgery and turn my life around. My 35th birthday is next month and with any luck, my surgery will be too!
Thanks for listening.
So, I have officially completed all the pre-op requirements and am waiting on a call, today actually, with my surgery date. I'm getting more excited and less nervous as I get closer, but still find myself with a lot of unanswered questions and concerns.
1. One thing I've often wondered is, what will happen to us DS'ers once we are old? Both of my grandmothers lived well into their 90's in primarily decent health, but both suffered from severe Alzheimer's and dementia. My maternal grandmother also had severe bone density issues. I worry sometimes that when I get older I'll forget I've had surgery and won't be able to vocalize my nutrition needs. I realize this is kind of silly to worry about when you're in your early 30's but I think about it fairly often. Any thoughts? I do have children so I'm hoping they'll help make sure this never becomes an issue but it does worry me some.
2. While I know how diligent I am when it comes to my own health, I still find myself endlessly worrying that I don't know enough about supplementation and post-op dietary needs and that I'll get into trouble because of it. I know that protein and hydration are extremely important but I get very concerned about the vitamins and solubility and all the various combinations and what to even start out taking before I've even had my first labs. I see posts where you guys seem to have this down to a science, and maybe one day I'll get there too, but in the meantime I'm terrified I don't have even the weakest grasp on post-op supplementation. Could someone give some advice on what supplements to be taking right after surgery, before any labs? I know I may have to add to that based on lab work, but I would feel better if I had that info. Perhaps this information is available on the Vitalady page, I'll check there too.
3. Is it possible to get very physically fit after losing weight from surgery? When I was younger, though still overweight, I was very athletic and into training and lifting weights, etc.. I guess what I'm silently afraid of is always feeling the "handicap" of such a complex surgery. Perhaps having energy issues or muscle problems.. It's just kind of a quiet concern I have. Anyone have experience here?
4. (Shallow question alert) I'm fully aware I will likely need plastic surgery down the road to remove excess skin, etc, but occasionally I wonder if it's possible to ever have a good (decent?) looking naked body after weight loss surgery. Trust me, I am fully aware of how stupid that sounds. This is NOT a deal breaker I'm just wondering. Does anyone ever get to the point where they look good naked or will I have a weird looking, albeit much smaller, body forever? I'm just curious!
I know I have more questions and concerns, I need to start writing them down because every time I start a post here I forget them all! I am so happy to have this source of information as I don't think I could dive into this complex of a surgery without the information and support provided here. I am also so thankful I didn't jump into WLS 5 years ago when I first began researching because I would be sitting here with a lap band. I'm very happy I waited and discovered the DS as I'm fully convinced it's the best surgery out there and the right one for me, for sure. I only wish I could quell my inner voice that questions if I have what it takes to remain in good health after surgery. I guess being aware is half of that battle, but I would appreciate any pointers or experiences you guys might want to share that may help me feel more confident.
I am currently at my heaviest weight ever, close to 360 at 5'10'', and while I have very few health issues now, I know it's just a matter of time. I feel terrible, both physically and mentally, so I'm so (there are no words to express how) excited to have this surgery and turn my life around. My 35th birthday is next month and with any luck, my surgery will be too!
Thanks for listening.